Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) today held the “Road to Final Kosovo-Serbia Agreement” Conference and discussed the framework of an eventual agreement between the two countries and inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes, as two elements of particular importance within this process. The roundtable was attended by representatives of political parties, scholars, representatives of civil society organizations, media and the diplomatic corps.

At the opening of this conference, KDI Executive Director, Ismet Kryeziu, emphasized that this conference was organized in the framework of ongoing discussions that KDI held on Kosovo-Serbia dialogue process, aiming at conducting an internal social and structured political dialogue, on the basis of inclusiveness, transparency and accountability.

In his introductory remarks, Granit Tërnava from KAS, emphasized that dialogue is a must, and ways must be found to resume it as soon as possible. “The dialogue must be built on principles that ensure functioning of the country and preserve the territorial integrity of Kosovo. Reaching a final agreement requires courageous leadership, thus reaching an agreement that will not be easy but must be enforceable,” he added.

Two papers were published as part of this conference that preceded the panel discussions. Bardhok Bashota presented the paper on the potential peace agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, while Vjollca Krasniqi presented the paper on the role of women in peacemaking processes. The first panel of the conference discussed the opportunities and challenges of a peace agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, the potential elements that should be included and the guarantees necessary for its implementation.

On this occasion, Edita Tahiri, former Minister for Dialogue, stressed that if Serbia is not ready to enter the final phase of dialogue, she should be sanctioned by the international community, especially the EU, depriving Serbia of European perspective, without recognition of the Republic of Kosovo. “Serbia must also be deprived of its EU veto on Kosovo, in order not to hinder her integration path,” she said.

Nenad Rasic, president of the Progressive Democratic Party, raised the question of what should really be attempted in the future. According to him, dialogue is the only way forward, adding that the dialogue should aim at reconciliation instead of having predetermined dialogue. “Kosovo Serbs should be involved in this dialogue, instead of current practice. The very idea of the Brussels dialogue is integration of Kosovo Serbs. Negotiating teams have no local Serbs,” he added.

Agron Bajrami, editor in chief of Koha Ditore, in his address said that dialogue is the most non-transparent process of all other processes. “People who are conducting the dialogue, cannot reach an agreement. Their political past runs counter to their goal of reaching an agreement. The goal is not to reach an agreement, but to maintain the current position,” he said.

The second panel discussed the topic “Gender mainstreaming in Kosovo-Serbia dialogue”, discussing the history, importance and effects of women’s involvement in peacebuilding processes. Igballe Rogova, executive director of the Kosovo Women’s Network, emphasized that the dialogue process must not continue without women. “It is important that women’s NGOs are directly involved, and not only in marginal roles. Women are the guarantee of peace and security, because the future cannot be built without justice and apology,” she added.

On the other hand, Tatjana Lazarevic, editor of the Kossev portal, emphasized that the parties were in a stalemate and living within hybrid realities. According to her, political leaders have contaminated the space for dialogue. Lazarevic assessed that as a result of this way of dialogue, there has never been greater stigmatization of both peoples in the public space. She added that we have two peoples excommunicating each-other at a time when dialogue is most discussed about.

Panelist Florentina Hajdari Hajra, program manager of NGO “Mundësia”, spoke about the positive effects of technical agreements on the lives of citizens. Regarding gender representation, she stated that women were not part of the dialogue. “It is important for women to be involved in issues that can be discussed in the context of dialogue such as the issues of missing persons and raped women,” she added.

This event was organized in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).